Which term describes a female bovine that is yet to produce offspring?

A female bovine that has not yet produced offspring is known as a heifer. This term is specifically used in the context of cattle to refer to young females, typically under the age of three, that have not calved. Understanding this distinction is important in animal science, as it highlights the various stages of development in bovine livestock management.

In contrast, a cow refers to a female bovine that has given birth to at least one calf; therefore, it cannot be used to describe a heifer. A steer is a castrated male bovine and is also not applicable to female classifications. A calf can refer to either a young bovine, male or female, that is usually less than one year old. Therefore, recognizing the specific term "heifer" is crucial for discussions about breeding, management, and the life stages of cattle within the livestock industry.